JACKIE McNamara admitted it's "a pity" the season is ending so soon after his long-awaited Wolves' comeback - but insists he is focusing on the next one.

McNamara came on at half-time on Saturday for his first slice of senior action since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in training last September.

It's been a long road to recovery, including picking up a calf problem after returning for the reserves, so McNamara was just delighted to be back in the picture. It was good to get back in the first team, playing in front of a crowd again," he said. "It's been a long wait to get back in but I'm just happy to have got out there and got a half in.

"It's been a difficult season - I'd just moved to a new club, started about eight games and then I got injured. I'm just happy I've come back before the end of the season, which should get me in focus for next year. For me it would be nice to actually carry on playing now so it's a pity it's all coming to a close."

Another return came for keeper Michael Oakes, who enjoyed his first football since being injured in October after Stefan Postma suffered a first-half groin problem.

"I was a bit surprised to go on but in football things change when you least expect them to," said the half-time substitute. "Unfortunately for Stefan he picked up an injury but in my case it was nice to get out there.

"I got a great reception from the fans, which was nice to hear, and hopefully I'll get the chance to play again against Norwich on Sunday."